Matthew Sprague, 38, has over a decade of experience providing a variety of accounting, audit, and advisory services to both public and private companies. Matt serves a variety of companies across several industries and is a member of the firm’s Financial Services Industry Practice, Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry Practice, and Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Industry Practice. In addition, Matt provides audit and consulting services to private equity firms, as well as to their portfolio companies. TITLE: Senior Manager FIRM: CohnReznick, Woodland Hills SPECIALTY: Assurance for financial service clients HOBBIES: Cooking, especially Thai and Indian dishes Question: Why accounting? Answer: I’ve had a passion for accounting since I took an elective accounting course during my senior year of high school. I knew accounting would offer a stable career with opportunities for growth. I went into public accounting to obtain my CPA license, absolutely loved it, and have not looked back. Your role in the firm? I am a senior manager in our assurance practice and am a leader in our financial service industry niche. I manage client relationships, train, mentor and develop our staff, network and engage in practice development activities. I also spend time recruiting the next generation of accountants at our local universities. Valley connection: I have deep ties to the San Fernando Valley. I grew up in Burbank, received my accounting degree from California State University – Northridge (and love recruiting there still), and work in CohnReznick’s Woodland Hills office. I’ve been able to excel in leadership positions in my firm, including my current role in the firm’s partner development academy and as a team leader in the firm’s strategic planning initiative. On a lighter note, I serve as the commissioner of our Annual Cornhole Tournament in the office. What defines “star accountants”? Being able to do it all! Having strong technical skills is almost a baseline expectation; you must also be creative, entrepreneurial, analytical and communicative. My biggest “star skill” is my ability to connect with people and through that connection form strong working relationships. I understand my clients’ businesses and provide ideas and solutions to help them achieve and exceed their goals. Time management: Every day is different but I spend a significant amount of time managing client engagements, including working with clients, training and developing staff, and overall delivering world-class service to my clients. Best part of your job: Having the opportunity to work with a variety of businesses, clients and peers. I enjoy the exposure to different backgrounds and viewpoints, especially those that challenge my own. Biggest misconception about accounting? That accounting is boring! This profession is dynamic – accounting rules and auditing standards are constantly evolving – businesses and technology are constantly evolving – and we, as trusted business advisors, must stay on the forefront of these changes. Your personality at work: I’m pretty even-tempered, which helps in what can sometimes be a stressful profession. New generation of accountants: We utilize technology so much more than previous generations. On a daily basis I am using analytical software, remote connectivity, social media and other technology as an integral part of my work. Memorable experience? My office is full of pranksters. Every April 1 is a new opportunity to create memorable pranks – or be the victim of them! One year we moved a co-worker’s car to a different level in the parking structure, then asked him if he would drive us to lunch that day. He legitimately thought his car had been stolen and was surprisingly calm about it. We quickly fessed up and he was a great sport about it. How should the profession change? Continue the current trends surrounding increased investment in technology and creating flexibility for employees. I believe that technology will increase efficiency, which will in turn provide the much-needed flexibility to attract top-level talent to the profession in the future. Favorite out-of-the-office activities? I really enjoy cooking and entertaining – it brings out my creative side. I like experimenting with new recipes using seasonal ingredients, tweaking them to my own tastes. Lately, I’ve been making a lot of Thai and Indian dishes. Career advice: It can be a very rewarding career path but it requires dedication and hard work. Don’t view the profession as a “job.” but rather as your career and put in the necessary effort to succeed. Biggest mistake by clients: Not consulting your accountant in significant business decisions. A good accountant can advise you on a variety of business matters – everything from efficient tax planning and structuring to succession planning or even transaction due diligence. In addition, accountants are a great source of referrals to other trusted advisors. Life during tax season: Busy! With a spouse in the same profession and two children, ages 5 months and 3 years, there is never a dull moment in my life. It is sometimes challenging during busy season to find that right work/life balance, but the flexibility outside of the busiest times of the year is outstanding. Accounting mentor? I definitely learned the most from the partners and managers that I have worked with throughout my career. Every single person has imparted knowledge to me whether they knew it or not. My mentor, Maier Rosenberg, has helped me grow into the financial services expert I am today. – Mark R. Madler